Concerts

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Beginning with his 1994 debut, Welcome To The Cruel World, Ben Harper began his career by releasing a string of eight studio albums over a decade and a half. This extraordinary run, featuring contributions from the Innocent Criminals, established him as a singularly powerful songwriter and performer with range across multiple genres and an unmatched ability to blend the personal and political. The accolades poured in – Rolling Stone hailed his "jewels of unique and exquisitely tender rock & roll," while Entertainment Weekly praised his "casual profundity," and Billboard said his music "reminds us of the power and beauty of simplicity." Massive, international sold-out tours, Top 10 debuts in the US, Gold and Platinum certifications worldwide, and a slew of TV appearances cemented Harper and the band's status as genuine global stars.

Hey, King!

Hey, King! is a triumphant and raucous indie rock band led with childlike wonder by couple Natalie London (writer, vocals, multi-instrumentalist) and Taylor Plecity (vocals).

In the midst of an exciting music career, a critical illness left London bedridden for over three years. She lost ability to walk, talk, read and write, spending her early twenties fighting for years to regain even the most basic skills. Finally physically capable of playing music again, London created Hey, King! influenced by artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Bright Eyes, and Edward Sharpe, and full of imagery grounded in her rare true life chance at a brand new life.

In a late summer evening in 2016, London and Plecity sat down in a living room and played music for Ben Harper, who changed their lives forever. Spending six months off and on recording together, Harper produced Hey, King!'s forthcoming E.P. adding his undeniable touch to every instrument and every track; collaborating with London on arrangements, laying down his irreplaceable slide guitar, and playing everything from the harmonium to the hammer-dulcimer. Awaiting the highly anticipated release of their collaboration, Hey, King! hits the road this summer as opener for Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals.